Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason delivered an impressive performance during the Drew League Summer League game on Saturday, scoring a remarkable 45 points, the highest of the game. This stellar display came after a challenging sophomore season with the Houston Rockets, demonstrating Eason’s resilience and ongoing recovery.
Eason’s summer league appearance highlighted his full return to form. He achieved this feat with a strong shooting display, hitting 20 of his 32 field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring prowess, he contributed significantly on the defensive end, securing 10 rebounds and blocking three shots, leading his team to a well-deserved victory.
The previous 2023-24 season was notably tough for Eason. Early in the season, on October 10, he suffered a leg injury during the Rockets’ preseason game against the Indiana Pacers. This injury was severe enough to cut his season short, marking a difficult year for the young forward.
Reflecting on his season, Eason noted the impact of the injury on his perspective. In March, he shared that the experience of being sidelined gave him a new outlook. Despite the mental challenges of injury, he acknowledged his fortunate position in other areas of his life, including his ability to support his family financially. Eason mentioned, “While injured and it’s a struggle mentally, I’m still in the best position I’ve been in financially. I’m taking care of my mother, brother, and grandmother. I am doing everything I wanted to do outside of basketball as a child.”
During the season, Eason was unable to play in the first 12 games due to his injury. Upon his return, he faced considerable pain, which persisted until the Rockets decided to rest him following their victory over the Detroit Pistons on January 1. In the 22 games he managed to play, Eason averaged 9.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game.
Eason’s experience was clearly frustrating for him, as he expressed in a statement, “I am not someone who likes to complain, but it wasn’t good. I love basketball. It is my favorite thing to do. It’s hard to step away from the game — injury or not.”
Eason’s impressive performance at the Drew League is a strong indicator of his return to form and suggests he is prepared for a more successful season ahead. For those interested in staying updated on Eason and the Houston Rockets, you can follow the team’s news on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
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